New BioShock enemy's name revealed

Irrational has announced that the new enemy seen in recently released footage of BioShock: Infinite is called the Handyman.

Speaking on an episode of the Irrational Behaviour podcast (as listened to by VG247), concept artist Rob Waters revealed the original design for the character featured giant mechanical crab claws.

However, those were changed to porcelain hands following discussions about practicalities. "Levine’s problem was a gameplay thing," said art director Nate Wells. "Here's a classic case of a trailer causing one choice to be made which then has repercussions in the game, but it actually turns out to be a really good thing.

"The functionality problem was that claws are for grabbing, and not for pushing or punching. This guy’s actual functionality was to punch. And that sort of evolved...

"By the time we'd done a prototype it was like, 'Well, this guy should grab, not punch.' You punch with fists. So he evolves again and he actually gets hands."

BioShock: Infinite is in development for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360. It's slated for release in 2012. While you're waiting, you can find our recent preview, a trailer and a load of screenshots over on the gamepage.

Ellie spent nearly a decade working at Eurogamer, specialising in hard-hitting executive interviews and nob jokes. These days she does a comedy show and podcast. She pops back now and again to write the odd article and steal our biscuits.